Before I cover accessories, I think I should bring up one popular
concept in regards to rifle setup, and that is the KISS principle: Keep
It Simple Stupid. In its strictest interpretation, this means avoiding
optics and electronics that could fail during use. I think I should
address the “KISS” rifle concept because, despite its popularity with
some civilian tactical/defensive shooters (see the numerous threads on
AR15.com and m4carbine.net discussing “KISS” rifles), most soldiers are
choosing rifles set up with anything that can help them consistently
engage targets better and faster. In fact, today there is little
difference between a soldier’s tactical rifle and an Open-class 3-Gun
competition setup.
Far from KISS; Schmidt & Bender Short Dot tactical scope,
extended rail, aftermarket stock and grip, take off the LA-5 laser and
you could easily see this exact same set-up at any local 3-gun match,
instead this is currently downrange being employed by a U.S. Infantry
Soldier.
KISS Rifle: My Interpretation
While it’s true that plain old iron sights have carried us through a
couple of world wars and numerous major conflicts, simpler is not always
better, in my view. I would not want to limit my capabilities in terms
of optics based solely on a fear of them failing. If using an electronic
sight gives you the ability to shoot farther or faster, why not use it?
For example, with iron sights I can hit a man-size target out to about
350 meters fairly consistently. But, using a red dot scope with a 2-MOA
dot, I can hit 12-inch plates out to about 450 meters (450m). Thus, when
going into harm’s way, I want to take advantage of any piece of kit
that can aid me in staying alive by eliminating threats more quickly and
consistently.
I don’t think the KISS principle is a bad idea. I just think it’s
misdirected in its application. It should be applied not to the gear on
your rifle but to your skill base. Instead of limiting yourself on what
accessories you use for fear of failure, you should instead take
advantage of the modern sighting systems while maintaining your
proficiency with the basics.
This means I will use any piece of kit that gives me an advantage,
but I will also train to shoot without all the fancy stuff in case
Murphy’s Law goes into effect. All my tactical rifles have back-up iron
sights (BUIS) on them. For my setups, I like to have a fixed front sight
post and a fold down rear sight. I know a lot of shooters and
instructors run with their back up iron sights up all the time so they
can instantly transition if their optic fails. I prefer to run with my
rear sight down, keeping it out of my peripheral vision while I look
through my sight.
Now I know what you’re thinking: “What if your red dot goes down in
the middle of an engagement and your back up sight is folded down?” To
prepare for that eventuality, I practice with the red dot sight turned
off. I use the method of looking through the tube of the red dot,
shooting off the front sight. I am basically using the housing and lens
of the red dot itself as my rear sight aperture and aligning it with my
front sight. Using this technique, with practice, I can still engage
targets out to a pretty good distance and at CQB/CQC (Close Quarters
Battle/Close Quarters Combat) ranges. While I may not be able to shoot
1-inch groups, I can get center shots on targets almost as fast as I can
with the dot turned on. The bottom line is that I’m not dependent on a
fancy scope. I train to use just iron sights, and for the worst case
scenario with no rear sight up at all, looking through a dead optic if I
need too.
Reasons for Upgrading the M4/M4A1 Carbine
Awhile back during a deployment, a fellow soldier, after seeing my
M4A1 rigged up with all the accessories I consider normal for me
(Arredondo extended mag well, left-handed mag release, extended bolt
release and some other items), made the comment “I don’t see why you
need all that fancy stuff. The basics work just fine.” While the M4/M4A1
does work well in its standard issue form–and again through the SOPMOD
program there are some really good accessories and optics offered,–I
still see the need to make up for shortcomings I find with some standard
items.
The issue M4/M4A1 stock is, in my opinion, pretty substandard and
suffers from a few issues. First, it’s pretty fragile in terms of taking
abuse. “Mortaring the rifle,” as David Crane calls it [Editor’s Note:
This term and jam-clearing technique were both learned from tactical instructor and DR writer Mike Pannone at a CTT-Solutions (CTT-S) tactical rifle/carbine course],
is one of the best ways to clear a stuck round in the chamber when you
can’t get the bolt back. It involves pulling back on the charging handle
and simultaneously banging the butt stock on the ground, letting the
force help pull the bolt back. It’s a great technique; unfortunately if
you do it too hard or bang the bottom edge of the butt plate on the
ground and not square on the plate, the issue stock tends to break
pretty easily. Even with good technique, I have seen numerous broken
stocks that have the bottom half of the butt plates broken off from
mortaring them to clear jams.
Another limitation, and probably the biggest reason you see a lot of
aftermarket stocks being used, is the standard issue stock adds no extra
cheek weld from the buffer tube. Stocks with a larger surface area for
your cheek aid in getting faster and more consistent cheek-to-stock
placement. Being able to mount the rifle faster means faster first shots
on target. Having solid cheek/stock placement can also aid in
multi-shot strings as you can settle the gun faster between shots.
Although the Crane NSWC/Lewis Machine & Tool (LMT Defense) SOPMOD stock
(which I think is still one of the best stocks out there) is issued as
part of the SOPMOD kit, it is limited to Special Ops troops as a
standard issue item. In some cases, units that are supposed to have them
do not, due to supply limitations.
The military still issues the Knights Armament Co. (KAC)
vertical foregrip, which has always had the issue of coming loose, as
it lacks a good locking mechanism. The newest-issue vertical foregrip is
from TangoDown. The TangoDown BattleGrip Vertical Grip (standard length) is a rock-solid grip and an improvement over the Knights Armament version. However, like the LMT Defense SOPMOD/Crane
NSWC stock, it’s not in full circulation with all soldiers. Plus, I
find it a little too long for my taste. I don’t need something that long
sticking off my rail. [Editor's Note: TangoDown also makes a BattleGrip Stubby Vertical Grip that's shorter, as well as the new TangoDown BattleGrip Quick-Detach Vertical Grip models.]
Below from basic to all out; top rifle minimum upgrades
Magpul STR stock, XTM rail panels and a Surefire G2X in a VTAC offset
mount. Bottom rifle everything minus the Crane Stock and receiver has
been switched out to fit the user’s preference. (Ergo grip, Troy rail,
Magpul AFG and Surefire Scout light on a 10.5 barrel).
Top Accessories/Upgrades
Magpul Industries
has turned out to be one of the top brands when soldiers choose
accessories. The two most popular upgrades to the M4/M4A1 Carbine are
stocks and foregrips. A stock with a proper length of pull and a good
cheek weld, combined with a foregrip that facilitates a straight pull
back on the rifle, can improve your shot cadence and help your accuracy.
Telescoping/Collapsible Buttstocks
One big reason I think MagPul stocks do well with soldiers is because of price. Their Adaptable Carbine Storage (ACS) model, which is considered one of their higher end stocks at $109.95, is still almost half the price of an LMT SOPMOD/Crane NSWC stock at $199. The most prevalent MagPul models I have seen in use are the MOE, CTR, and ACS.
All have increased cheek weld surface area, rubber butt pads, and
multiple sling attachment methods. The MOE seems especially popular,
even though the cheek weld area is only slightly larger than the issue
stock, but at $59.95 the price cannot be beat. Fore grip and pistol
grip: The MagPul Angled Fore Grip (AFG)
seems to be a top choice among soldiers. The popularity of the C-clamp
method of shooting (non-firing hand thumb on top of the rail, palm on
the side rail, fingers form a C around the rail) is on the rise, and the
Magpul AFG facilitates a C-clamp grip. Ergo Grips, Hogues, and the Magpul MIAD Grip Kit
seem to be among the most popular pistol grips. I have not seen any one
brand or model stand out more than another. All offer a much more
ergonomic and fuller grip on the AR than the current issue A2 grip. I
think most shooters find the A2 grip allows your hand to ride up on the
receiver. Just about every other aftermarket commercial grip out there
does a better job at keeping your firing hand straight behind the
trigger, facilitating a more consistent trigger pull.
As you can see from the photo these 3 rifles have a lot in
common, besides the SOPMOD issue items the users have all chosen to
upgrade certain parts of the rifles to fit them better (stock, grip or
fore grip). Here is also a perfect example to show how popular Magpul
items are with the troops. Each rifle has at least one Magpul item on
them and two have P-mags. Also check out the Noveske KX3 flash hider
(middle rifle). .
Innovation from the competition world; Dual optics have been in use
with the military for some time now, as you can see in some of the
previous photos ACOGs and Elcan Specter DRs are issued with Doctor
sights on top. What has been slowly catching now as a direct result from
their effectiveness with the 3-gun crowd are offset mounts. Problem
with the Doctor sight mounted on top of another optic is the hold off is
too much. Even with a 25 meter POA/POI zero you are still looking at as
much a 4 inch hold off at room distance. With the offset mount it’s
less than 2 inches. Plus I find it faster and smoother to roll the gun
in my shoulder to pick up the offset sight. I have been using Matt
Burkett’s 45 degree offset mount with a Doctor sight for 2 tours now and
on 2 different rifles; M4A1 and a SCAR light.
One other item that is pretty popular is the Grip Pod vertical foregrip/bipod/weapon stabilizer by Grip Pod Systems International (GPS),
which consists of a spring-loaded bipod enclosed in a forward grip. It
has two advantages over the conventional style metal bipod; the Grip Pod
is much lighter. Being both a forward grip and bipod, it saves space on
your rifle for other items. And, since the legs collapse into the grip,
you don’t have to worry about them catching on stuff when not in use.
Personally, I find the Grip Pod vertical grip
a little too long for my taste. I find that it sits up too high when
using it in bipod mode in the prone position, . I therefore have a
difficult time trying to get into a comfortable position behind the
rifle.
M4A1 equipped with Grip Pod
Tactical Weapon Lights
SureFire is the most prevalent brand in use over the current issue SOPMOD light (the L3 Warrior Systems/Insight Technology M3X/SU-33/PVS).
The M3X is a pretty basic light with only one brightness setting and a
momentary switch. It’s also not that bright compared to many other
lights on the market. Bulb life is also relatively short, about a year
if you do a lot of shooting.
The Surefire Scout Weaponlight is pretty popular along with the new SureFire G2X and SureFire 6P series, both used in conjunction with a Viking Tactics (VTAC) offset light mount. One light that I am pleased to see making headway with the troops is the Inforce WML. I have reviewed this light in the past for DR (published on 12/16/2011).
The WML incorporates a new innovative 45-degree activation push button
that allows you to go from constant-on to momentary-on and strobe. With a
flip of an easy-to-reach toggle lever, you can go from white light to
IR (infrared). With all those features and a price around $180.00 (I
have seen it online as low as $150.00) the WML makes for a great compact weapon light.
Magazines
Even with the adoption of the improved 30 round GI magazine,
commercially made magazines are pretty popular items. The reason for
this is the perceived poor performance of standard issue military
magazines. Personally, I have never had an issue with GI mags, even the
older style with the green follower. I have several of the green
follower mags that are at least 5-6 years old that I have used on
multiple deployments. The issue is not the quality of the magazine, but
rather how they are handled. Instead of treating the magazine as an
expendable item, soldiers in some units have to sign for them, and
losing a magazine is looked down upon. This leads to the same batch of
magazines floating around in a unit for a number of years, going from
soldier to soldier.
So it’s no wonder a soldier might have no confidence in a standard
issue magazine when the ones he has could be well worn out from overuse.
To this day some do not understand that double feeds come from bad
magazines, which compounds the issue. Time and again I have seen double
feeds occur on the range, and instead of throwing the magazine away or
marking it "bad", it just gets reloaded and used again.
Prior to any deployment, I load up all my magazines I plan on using
and shoot them at least one time to ensure there are no bad ones. If I
do come across a bad magazine, before I throw it away, I will step on
it, crushing it just to make sure it does not get picked up and used by
someone else.
The top choice among soldiers for commercial magazines is the Magpul PMAG 30 M3 (also written P-MAG 30 M3).
In fact, they are so popular I have seen at least one out of every
three soldiers with a PMAG in their rifle as opposed to any other
magazine. Personally I prefer the Lancer L5 Advanced War Fighter Magazine (AWM).
I give the edge to Lancers solely for the reason that it is possible to
accidentally load 31 rounds into a PMAG. That will result in the
inability to seat the magazine in a rifle with the bolt forward on a
tactical reload. This is not to say I do not use PMAGs at all. Currently
my basic load consists of Lancer mags and Magpul PMAGS and EMAGs.
Left to right; Lancer L5 Advanced War Fighter Magazine (AWM),
Magpul EMAG and Magpul PMAG. On the far right; standard issue magazine
with issued Magpul follower, Center standard USGI mag Green follower and
the new Improved USGI magazine with Tan follower. One thing to be aware
of, because the Improved magazine follower has the bullet push on the
left when loaded with 30rds the top round sits on the left (Opposite of
most other magazines).
One Item You Don’t See…
Despite its popularity with the 3-Gun crowd and shooters stateside,
you won’t find compensators in wide spread use on tactical rifles. Even
though compensators do an excellent job canceling out muzzle rise to
facilitate faster strings of fire, the increased muzzle blast and noise
associated with them makes compensators impractical for tactical use.
Imagine having a buddy with a comp shooting his rifle right next to you
and all the excess gas being vented off right into your face.
I have tried a lot of the “tactical” comps offered, and although they
do a great job minimizing the excess gas, they are still much louder
than flash hiders. As a soldier you won’t always have the luxury of
shooting with hearing protection on. The last thing you want if you end
up shooting in super-close confinement (such as a vehicle) is a very
loud rifle.
The Wrap Up
Thanks to competitive shooting sports like 3-Gun, vendors are now
offering more shooting accessories of all types than ever before.
Today’s gunfighters are benefiting from the same accessories that have
proven successful to both top shooters and the everyday competitor. This
vetting of gear through shooting matches is helping highlight some of
the best and most durable gear out there that is in turn being used to
get an extra edge on the battlefield.
Bolt Held Open on Last Round Fired
Flared and Beveled Magwell for Easy Reloading
Ambi Bolt Release
Convert to 9mm, .357SIG or .40S&W
10-, 20- or 30-Round Magazines
Integral QD Sling Point
SIG MPX Folding Stock
Segmented Vertical Forend Grip
Triple Mag Pouch & Single Mag Carrier
LE Carry Bag
SIG MPX Deployment Bag
